‘Beast of the Green Hell’: Merc- AMG GT R debuts in India at Rs 2.23 Crore

Mercedes has just unveiled its ‘Beast of the Green Hell’—the Mercedes AMG GT R—in India and it’s priced at Rs 2.23 crore (ex-showroom). The current lap record holder for rear-wheel drive cars at the fearsome Nurburgring race track in Germany as well as lap record holder for production cars at India’s only F1 race track, the Budh International Circuit, this mean machine is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 577bhp and 700Nm of torque. The engine sends power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. With a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 3.6 seconds and top speeds of 319 kph, this is one droolworthy denizen of the deep.

Louis Vuitton creates pink yo-yo for $270!

Louis Vuitton has come up with a pink coloured yo-yo with the iconic floral monogram motifs on the side, defined by the brand as a “Kawaii inspiration” that “gives a psychedelic note to the iconic Monogram floral motif” with the colours blending into one another with the movement of the yo-yo.  Part of Louis Vuitton’s Art of Gifting collection, this yo-yo costs a whopping $270.

Feast your eyes on Roberto Cavalli’s 27 meter yacht ‘Freedom’

It isn’t every day that you get to view a super gorgeous yacht owned as well as co-designed by super fashion designer—none other than Roberto Cavalli. Custom designed and 27 metre long, the yacht named Freedom is under construction at Cerri Cantieri Navali in Carara. The yacht was co-designed by Cavalli with Tommaso Spadolini and features a master suit equipped with skylights situated behind the helm station, along with two guest rooms in the lower cabin, with the cockpit boasting an enclosed glass area for panoramic ocean views. Top speed of the Freedom would be 40 knots.

Dodge rolls off last two examples of Viper

American automaker Dodge has finally rolled off the last example of the Viper in Detroit, USA.
The Dodge Viper made its debut as a concept model in 1989 at the North American International Auto Show. And now after 25 years the Viper bids adieu to its fans. The last two Vipers to roll off the Conner Avenue Assembly plant in Detroit are a Red Viper and a Yellow Viper with black stripes. While the red will join the company’s heritage collection, the yellow will be the last customer-built model.

SerpentiForm exhibit at Singapore to explore Bulgari’s iconic motif

August 19 will witness the opening of ‘SerpentiForm: Snake Through Art, Jewellery and Design’ exhibit at ArtScience Museum in Singapore, exploring the iconic motif of the serpent and all that it symbolises. The exhibit will feature a collection of 56 Bulgari creations, including four never-before-seen pieces, which pay tribute to the serpent motif. Also on display will be 15 antiquities from East and West, 74 artworks and 21 dresses tracing antiquity through modern times, each representing the symbolism of the serpent and how it has affected and shaped modern and contemporary art, design, fashion, decorative arts and photography.

Ferrari-Enzo designer Ken Okuyama creates one-off Kode 0 Supercar

Ferrari-Enzo designer Ken Okuyama has unveiled his one-off, retro-meets-mod Kode 0 supercar at The Quail, a Motorsport Gathering in Monterey, California. With retro-inspired design infused with modern technology, the Kode 0 features a wedge-shaped stance, reminiscent of the wedge shaped supercars of the 60s and 70s. The Kode 0 is powered by a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 690bhp and 690Nm of torque while the engine is coupled to a 7-speed ISR transmission.  The retro-mod car pays tribute to Marcello Gandini who designed classic cars such as Lamborghini Countach, Lancia Stratos Zero and Ferrari Moduro. The supercar itself is based on the Lamborghini Aventador, with LED headlights and a splitter up front and the carbon fibre bodywork also uses Lamborghini’s monocoque chassis. The rear on the other hand features a triangular-shaped quadruple exhaust system, cooling fans and a massive diffuser. The wheels are crafted from forged alloy with Pirelli P-Zero tyres.

Feast your eyes on the Lady Arpels Papillon Automate from Van Cleef & Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels presented their breathtaking new Lady Arpels Papillon Automate at the Salon International de la haute Horlogerie (SIHH) 2017—a watch that doesn’t just spell ethereal beauty but also mechanical ingenuity. The watch features a butterfly in motion which is a feat accomplished by an outstandingly complicated mechanical calibre. With the help of the watchmakers at Valfleurier – the Richemont group’s top development people – the brand has used the minute repeater to bring a mechanical butterfly on the dial to life. Interestingly, the butterfly’s movement is ‘en passant’ as well as on-demand, so the wings will move automatically even when the watch is not on one’s wrist, as long as power remains in the system. The breathtaking dial features miniature painting as well, and multiple kinds of enamelling— champlevé, paillonné, plique-à-jour and curved plique-à-jour.  The watch with an automatic movement which has 4 patents pending, comes in a 40mm case of white gold, studded with diamonds in serti-neige style. The strap is Blue alligator with white gold pin buckle set with diamonds. But of course the most fascinating thing about it is the animated butterfly. You can just not take your eyes off it, can you?

Sotheby’s to auction classic Italian sportscar 1974 De Tomaso Pantera L

RM Sotheby’s is all set to auction the 1974 De Tomaso Pantera L at the Monterey Auctions, with estimated price ranging from $125,000 to $175,000. The De Tomaso Pantera was the ultimate Italian sportscar of the70s and this one being auctioned is the very last Pantera imported to the United States. Originally built for Ford collector Floyd Moore, this vehicle sports custom Pantera Orange paint, four-wheel power disc brakes, air conditioning, tinted glass, and magnesium wheels.  Throughout its life, it has been meticulously preserved and sits on the original Goodyear Arriva tires, with a mid-mounted Ford 351 cubic-inch V8 engine and 5-speed ZF transmission.  The ‘L’ series was actually an upgraded version that began in 1972 featured a steel unibody design for increased rigidity and weight reduction.

A Porsche paintjob that costs $97,000!

Yes, we’re talking a Porsche that got a stylish green paintjob worth $97,000! A special customisation job by Porsche for a special client, this Green Python Chromaflair paint sits pretty on a Porsche 911 Turbo S which is being displayed at the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur booth at the Nürburgring for the AvD-Oldtimer-Grandprix. The Chromaflair paint, by the way, is also available in blue, gold, and violet. Here’s waiting for someone to try out those other shades for another super-expensive paint job!

Ultra luxury $2900 skateboards from Hermes

French luxury brand Hermes is now offering work-of-art skateboards designed by Henri d’Origny, Hermès’ artistic director. Made from ‘light beech wood with a noble maple veneer’, the skateboards sport archival designs from the house: “Bouclerie Modern”, “Cavalcadour” and “Sangles en zigzag”. Priced at $2900 these skateboards can be purchased at Hermès boutiques.